Member
Dozens of Dems Condemn Squad Member’s Dangerous and Anti-Semitic Remarks
Charlie Kirk Staff
07/18/2023
More than 40 House Democrats have publicly distanced themselves from leftist “Squad” member Rep. Pramila Jayapal after she referred to Israel as a “racist state” during a panel discussion at the Netroots Nation Conference in Chicago.
Jayapal, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has since issued a statement attempting, poorly, to clarify her stance on Israel, but criticism from both the GOP and Democrats has continued.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) July 16, 2023
Led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the group of 43 Democrats released a letter emphasizing the historic relationship between the United States and Israel.
They stated that efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel are not only dangerous and anti-Semitic but also undermine America’s national security. The letter stressed the importance of Israel in the fight against terror and highlighted its role as a partner for peace in the Middle East.
Today, 42 Democrats and I released the following statement regarding the historic relationship between the U.S. and Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East.
Israel remains the only vibrant, progressive, and inclusive democracy in the region. pic.twitter.com/jbnCUEXbO9
— Rep Josh Gottheimer (@RepJoshG) July 18, 2023
The lawmakers specifically mentioned Jayapal in the letter, expressing their concern about her anti-Israel comments and appreciating her subsequent retraction.
They said in their statement that Israel is a vibrant, progressive, and inclusive democracy in the region, where pluralism flourishes, and rejected anti-Zionist voices that embolden anti-Semitism.
Critics, including Rep. Gottheimer, have called out the inconsistency and inaccuracy of Jayapal’s statements. They highlighted Israel’s commitment to democracy, the representation of Arab parties in the Knesset, the role of women in the military, and its support for the LGBTQ+ community.
A group of House Democrats is circulating a draft letter condemning Rep Jayapal for “unacceptable” comments that “Israel is a racist state.”
It’s written by Gottheimer, Wasserman Schultz, Landsman, Schneider, Phillips, Moskowitz and Manning, per a Democratic aide with knowledge. pic.twitter.com/5F6ohJnAtY
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) July 16, 2023
The letter concluded by affirming the strong bipartisan consensus supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship and vowing to prevent anti-Zionist voices from undermining this longstanding alliance.
In her attempt to clarify her remarks, Jayapal stated that she does not believe Israel as a nation is racist but accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of promoting “outright racist policies.”
Her initial comments have drawn widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats who recognize the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Israel.
